At a recent family book study night, we each answered a question based on Paul Miller’s popular book, A Praying Life. The book suggests that we must pray because we are helpless – only God can effect true change.  So the question for our prayer time was “How are you feeling helpless tonight?”  As each person shared, another prayed for them in their helplessness.

The prayers needed to be strong in asking the Lord’s blessing and good gifts; we did not want to sink into discouragement over all the things we cannot accomplish.  It was good to be reminded regularly that even though we are helpless in our own strength, we are hopeful and joyful because of the grace,  care, and good news of Jesus.